What series does the Yamaha A3M belong to?

The Yamaha A3M is part of the latest A-Series, which is Yamaha's line of guitars designed specifically for professional live performance.

What type of preamp is used in the A3M?

The guitar is equipped with the System63 preamp and an SRT piezo pickup system for high-fidelity amplified sound.

What is unique about the A3M's fingerboard?

The fingerboard features hand-rolled edges, which are designed to provide an ultra-comfortable feel for the player's hand during performance.

How does the bracing affect the sound of the A3M?

The guitar uses a brand new scalloped bracing design that is specifically engineered to improve projection in the low and mid-range frequencies.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This model is finished in a Tobacco Brown Sunburst, giving it a classic and professional aesthetic.

Does the A3M have a cutaway?

Yes, it features a Venetian cutaway profile, which allows players easier access to the higher frets on the fingerboard.

Where are the electronics controls located?

The SRT piezo and System63 preamp are controlled via elegant and subtle knobs located on the top side of the guitar body.

Is the Yamaha A3M suitable for touring?

Yes, Yamaha specifically describes the A3M as being designed for 'life on the road', implying a durable build for frequent transport.

What tonewood is primarily used in this model?

The A3M is constructed with mahogany, which contributes to its specific warm and mid-focused tonal character.

How does the A3M compare to the Yamaha APXT2?

The A3M is a full-sized professional electro-acoustic guitar, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar intended for portability.

What is the typical price range for the A3M?

The Yamaha A3M Mahogany is typically priced at approximately GBP 874, positioning it as a mid-to-high level professional instrument.

How does the A3M differ from a Taylor Presentation PS14ce?

The A3M is a mahogany-based performance tool aimed at working musicians, while the Taylor PS14ce is a high-end boutique model featuring premium woods like Honduran Rosewood.

Gear article

Yamaha A3M Mahogany Electro Acoustic Guitar

The Yamaha A3M Mahogany is a performance-focused electro-acoustic guitar part of Yamaha's modern A-Series line. It features a traditional western body with a Venetian cutaway and utilizes the System63 preamp with SRT piezo technology for professional amplified performance.

Yamaha A3M Mahogany Electro Acoustic Tobacco Sunburst

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Overview

The Yamaha A3M Mahogany is a professional-grade electro-acoustic guitar designed specifically for live performance and touring. Finished in a distinctive Tobacco Brown Sunburst, it belongs to the latest generation of Yamaha's A-Series. The instrument balances traditional acoustic construction with modern electronic integration, featuring a Venetian cutaway for upper-fret access and a robust build quality intended for 'life on the road'.

Construction and Design

A primary innovation in the A3M is the implementation of a new scalloped bracing design. This structural modification is specifically engineered to improve low and mid-end projection, addressing common frequency gaps in standard acoustic builds. For player comfort, Yamaha has included hand-rolled fingerboard edges, providing a broken-in feel typically found on premium vintage instruments. The body employs mahogany, a tonewood known for its stability and mid-range focus.

Electronics and Amplification

The A3M is equipped with the proprietary System63 preamp and SRT piezo pickup system. Unlike bulky side-mounted preamps, this system is controlled via subtle, elegant knobs located on the top side of the guitar. This SRT technology is designed to capture the nuance of the guitar's acoustic resonance, allowing for high-quality signal output when connected to a PA system or amplifier without the common 'quack' associated with lesser piezo systems.

Tone and Character

Sonically, the A3M is defined by its mahogany construction and scalloped bracing. The resulting tone is characterised by a strong low-end presence and clear mid-range projection. While it maintains the classic warmth associated with mahogany, the internal bracing ensures the sound remains articulated rather than muddy, making it suitable for both flatpicking and fingerstyle techniques.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This guitar is primarily aimed at gigging musicians who require a reliable, high-performance instrument for the stage. In terms of market positioning, it sits alongside professional models like the Taylor PS14ce or the Sigma DTC-28HE. While more compact options like the Yamaha APXT2 or Martin LX1E serve travel needs, the A3M provides a full-scale traditional western body experience comparable to the Gretsch G5022CWFE or Guild F-2512E, albeit with a mahogany-specific tonal profile.

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Frequently asked questions

What series does the Yamaha A3M belong to?: The Yamaha A3M is part of the latest A-Series, which is Yamaha's line of guitars designed specifically for professional live performance.
What type of preamp is used in the A3M?: The guitar is equipped with the System63 preamp and an SRT piezo pickup system for high-fidelity amplified sound.
What is unique about the A3M's fingerboard?: The fingerboard features hand-rolled edges, which are designed to provide an ultra-comfortable feel for the player's hand during performance.
How does the bracing affect the sound of the A3M?: The guitar uses a brand new scalloped bracing design that is specifically engineered to improve projection in the low and mid-range frequencies.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This model is finished in a Tobacco Brown Sunburst, giving it a classic and professional aesthetic.
Does the A3M have a cutaway?: Yes, it features a Venetian cutaway profile, which allows players easier access to the higher frets on the fingerboard.
Where are the electronics controls located?: The SRT piezo and System63 preamp are controlled via elegant and subtle knobs located on the top side of the guitar body.
Is the Yamaha A3M suitable for touring?: Yes, Yamaha specifically describes the A3M as being designed for 'life on the road', implying a durable build for frequent transport.
What tonewood is primarily used in this model?: The A3M is constructed with mahogany, which contributes to its specific warm and mid-focused tonal character.
How does the A3M compare to the Yamaha APXT2?: The A3M is a full-sized professional electro-acoustic guitar, whereas the APXT2 is a 3/4 size travel guitar intended for portability.
What is the typical price range for the A3M?: The Yamaha A3M Mahogany is typically priced at approximately GBP 874, positioning it as a mid-to-high level professional instrument.
How does the A3M differ from a Taylor Presentation PS14ce?: The A3M is a mahogany-based performance tool aimed at working musicians, while the Taylor PS14ce is a high-end boutique model featuring premium woods like Honduran Rosewood.